“The Love Experience” is an editorial project that features dynamic couples in love. The series, shot by fashion photographer Bryce Lennon, celebrates diversity through the perspective of underrepresented relationships.”
Poker Face: Alexa + Melissa
Allow us to introduce our next engaged couple, Alexa and Melissa. Their love story dates all the way back to 2018, when Melissa followed Alexa on Instagram for her Lady Gaga impersonations. The pair have since moved in together, and currently planning a wedding. Find out how it all went down below:
Where and how did you two meet?
Alexa: I’m a dancer, and I do Lady Gaga impersonations. Our mutual friend Jess told Melissa to follow me on Instagram, since she’s obsessed with Lady Gaga. We slid into each others DMs from there.
Melissa: We first met in person at the Philly GLAAD awards (At that point, we were following each other on Instagram), and I thought Alexa was just as beautiful in person! At first, all sorts of doubts ran through my head: she’s probably straight or not even interested in me. Nothing happened for at least six months, but we continued to communicate through Instagram and grew from there.
When did you two realize you loved each other?
Melissa: There wasn’t a specific moment, but we knew pretty quickly. We dated from July until about August. By September, we were in love!
Alexa, at what point did you realize you wanted to marry Melissa?
Alexa: We went on our first trip together, which wasn’t too great (Actually, our first two trips weren’t great). We came back with a plan, and wanted to help each other grow in our relationship. Our trips were amazing after that. I knew for a long time that I wanted to marry her though.
Melissa, what made you accept the proposal?
Melissa: There wasn’t an exact moment for me, but it was the overall experience with Alexa. In the past, I’ve had bad relationships where I couldn’t really count on anyone. I just assumed that she was going to be the same way. Every time I thought that way though, she proved me wrong. Alexa is definitely a keeper, and it feels right being with her. That’s one of the many reasons why I love her.
How has your relationship grown through the pandemic?
Alexa: I’m a performer and dancer, and I was supposed to travel outside the country for a few months. Then, the pandemic happened, and we dealt with everything together. Overall, we get along great, and ended up moving in together. I didn’t think I would like living with anyone. She changed that for me.
Melissa: When the pandemic hit, I didn’t see Alexa for most of March. I work in the hospital, and feared getting her sick. Once we figured things out, we moved in together, which has been good for us both. Alexa was super supportive the entire time. It’s hard being a nurse, especially right now. There are times when I come home crying, and she’s always there for me.
For anyone struggling in the dating world, what advice would you give them in regards to sustaining a healthy and loving relationship?
Alexa: Communication! It’s something I had to work on for a very long time. In the past, I’ve been really bad at communicating. I give Melissa all the props! She taught me a lot about communication.
Melissa: Alexa and I found each when weren’t looking by chance. When I was looking for a relationship in the past, and it always felt forced. If you’re in a long distance relationship or not seeing each other because of COVID, just communicate, listen, and support each other. I know it’s hard. Remember, you’re a team, and have to get through this together. If you’re single or looking to date, please be careful. Wear masks on your dates!
Where can we reach you?
Instagram: @alexamsanty and @_melissyy